Desktop as a service

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Overview

SQL Server is one of the most common databases used by Romanian companies, especially for ERP apps, CRM systems, internal tools, accounting utilities, and invoicing platforms.

On a Windows VPS from OnCloud/Vying, installing SQL Server is straightforward as long as the server is properly prepared (firewall, RAM, Windows updates, .NET support).

This guide walks you through:

  • Preparing your Windows VPS
  • Choosing the correct SQL Server edition
  • Installing SQL Server
  • Installing SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
  • Configuring firewall access
  • Creating your first database
  • Securing the installation

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1. Prerequisites

Before installing SQL Server, make sure your VPS has:

✔ Updated Windows

Open the Start menu → type “Windows Update” → install updates → restart.

✔ Administrator access

You must log in using the Administrator user.

✔ Enough RAM

  • SQL Server Express: minimum 4–6 GB
  • Standard / Enterprise: minimum 8–16 GB (We scale your VPS instantly if needed.)

✔ Internet access

Needed for downloading the installer.

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2. Downloading SQL Server

Go to the official Microsoft SQL Server download page.

Choose the version you need:

SQL Server Express

✔ Free

✔ Perfect for small apps, CRMs, invoicing tools

✔ Limitations: 1 CPU, 10 GB per database

SQL Server Standard

✔ For medium businesses

✔ Supports multiple CPUs, Agent jobs, larger DBs

SQL Server Developer

✔ Free

✔ Full features

✔ Only for testing, not production

Download the installer named SQL Server Setup from Microsoft.

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3. Starting the Installation

Once downloaded:

  1. Run the installer file
  2. Choose Basic or Custom
    • Basic → fast install
    • Custom → recommended for VPS servers
  3. Choose installation path (default is fine)
  4. Wait for the installer to finish downloading required packages
  5. Click Install

The installer may reboot your VPS halfway through.

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4. SQL Server Configuration

During install, you’ll be asked:

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Instance Name

  • Default: “MSSQLSERVER” (good for 90% of cases)
  • Named instance: use something like “ONCLOUD” if you want multiple databases separated

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Authentication Mode

Choose Mixed Mode

This gives you:

  • Windows authentication
  • SQL authentication (required for external apps)

You will be asked to set the sa password.

Choose a secure one.

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Data Directories

If your VPS has a second disk (D: drive), store databases on D:

It’s faster, safer, and prevents C: from filling.

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5. Installing SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Your database tools live inside SSMS.

Download from Microsoft: SQL Server Management Studio.

Install it by clicking Next → Next → Install.

After install:

Open SSMS → Connect → choose:

  • Server type: Database Engine
  • Server name: localhost
  • Authentication: SQL Authentication
  • Login: sa
  • Password: the one you set

If it connects → install is successful.

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6. Creating Your First Database

Inside SSMS:

  1. Right-click “Databases”
  2. Choose “New Database”
  3. Enter name (ex: Firma2025, AppDB, etc.)
  4. Click OK

That’s it — your VPS now hosts its first SQL Server database.

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7. Firewall Configuration (Important!)

By default, SQL Server listens on port 1433.

If your application connects over the internet (not recommended unless secured), you must allow the port:

  1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
  2. In “Inbound Rules”, click “New Rule”
  3. Select “Port”
  4. Choose TCP
  5. Type port number: 1433
  6. Allow the connection
  7. Choose profiles (Domain / Private — avoid Public unless required)
  8. Name the rule: “SQL Server 1433 Allow”

⚠️ Critical Warning

Never expose SQL Server publicly unless:

  • You use a VPN
  • Or specific fixed IP whitelisting
  • Or encrypted tunnels

Most Romanian ERPs connect only through VPN — safest option.

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8. Allow Remote Connections (If Needed)

If your software connects remotely:

  1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager
  2. Expand “SQL Server Network Configuration”
  3. Click “Protocols for MSSQLSERVER”
  4. Enable TCP/IP
  5. Restart the SQL Server service

Then in SSMS:

  1. Right-click the server
  2. Go to “Properties”
  3. Select “Connections”
  4. Check “Allow remote connections to this server”

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9. Security Best Practices

✔ Always use a VPN (OpenVPN)

SQL should never be exposed to the public internet.

✔ Use strong passwords for “sa”

Minimum 12 characters, mixed symbols.

✔ Create separate users for apps

Never give full admin to business software.

✔ Place databases on D: drive

Keeps performance high and prevents C: from filling.

✔ Keep Windows updated

SQL depends heavily on Windows security patches.

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10. Common Issues & Fixes

❌ SSMS cannot connect to server

  • TCP/IP disabled → enable from Configuration Manager
  • Wrong password → reset sa password
  • Firewall blocked → allow port 1433
  • SQL service stopped → start service

❌ Application cannot connect

  • VPS firewall blocking app IP
  • Wrong connection string
  • Using Windows auth instead of SQL auth
  • SQL Browser disabled (for named instances)

❌ SQL Server slow

  • Low RAM → upgrade to 8 or 16 GB
  • C: almost full → move DB to D:
  • Poor indexing → rebuild indexes in SSMS

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Summary

SQL Server on a Windows VPS is simple:

  1. Download installer
  2. Use Mixed Authentication
  3. Set strong sa password
  4. Install SSMS
  5. Configure firewall
  6. Enable TCP/IP
  7. Create your databases
  8. Secure connections with VPN

Your server is now fully ready for business apps, ERPs, CRMs, invoicing tools, SAGA alternatives, and anything else needing SQL.